Peter Yarrow, a founding member of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died aged 86 after a battle with bladder cancer. A highly influential musician in American folk music, Yarrow was known for his fine harmony singing, polished stage performances, and social and political commitment.
Born in New York to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Yarrow began his career as part of the Greenwich Village folk revival scene in the 1950s and 60s. He met Albert Grossman, a music impresario, who helped him recruit Mary Travers and Noel Stookey to form Peter, Paul and Mary.
The trio’s success was rapid, with their debut single “Lemon Tree” followed by “If I Had a Hammer,” which won two Grammy awards in 1962. Their eponymous album remained on the US charts for 10 months, selling over 2 million copies.
Peter, Paul and Mary were an integral part of the 1960s folk music scene, performing at iconic events such as the Newport Folk Festival and the March on Washington, where they sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” in front of a quarter of a million people. The song became a civil rights anthem and later a peace anthem.
After serving three months in prison for sex crimes, Yarrow received a presidential pardon from Jimmy Carter in 1981. He continued to be active in music and social causes until his death.
Yarrow is survived by his wife Mary Beth McCarthy, daughter Bethany, and granddaughter Valentina.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/08/peter-yarrow-obituary